Like us humans, monkeys in Japan just want to have a nice warm bath too.
Fifteen young journalists and communication students from the Philippines were able to witness one of Japan’s unique natural wonders – the bathing Japanese Snow Monkeys (Japanese Macaques). This is part of the official activities for the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS) 2018 Youth Exchange Program for Media Industry in December 2018.
From Hakuba Village, the delegates took a two-hour bus ride to the Northern Part of Nagano prefecture. After a 30-minute trek along the tall trees and steep cliffs of the Jigokudani (Hell’s Valley), the group finally reached the Jigokudani Yaen-Koen (Wild Snow Monkey Park).
Upon entering the park, the delegates were welcomed by few Japanese Macaques walking along the paved pathways leading to their troop resting on the mountain wall. Young ones can be seen riding the backs of their mothers and some were running around, chasing each other along the Yokoyu River.
The amazing monkeys live amongst their natural habitat. With no fences or cages, they are free to roam around and mingle with humans up close and personal. But the rules here are strict: DO NOT FEED THE MONKEYS. Though they are already accustomed to humans, visitors are advised to take precautions as the monkeys are still wild in nature.
The unique yet intriguing thing about this park is that it is known as the only place in the world where the pink-faced Japanese macaques can be observed taking a bath in an onsen or hot spring.
According to the park’s history, the monkeys migrated to the lower regions of the valley in the 1950s due to several threats to their habitat with the development of ski resorts in the area. As the monkeys appeared frequently in the village, they discovered the appealing onsen. By watching the humans soaking in the hot spring, the macaques soon copied the behavior themselves. In 1964, the villagers established the park and opened it for tourists from all over the world.
Recent study from Kyoto University shows that the monkeys in the valley appear to have lower levels of a stress hormone than usual when they bath in natural hot springs during winter to warm up.
The park is one of Japan’s most popular tourist destinations. The management put up a live camera beside the monkey pool which tourists can access online. (http://en.jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp/) A small information and tourist center where data on the troop’s alpha male system as well as portraits of the park’s present and former alpha males, dating back dozens of years can also be found.
While the park has been popular for tourists and researchers from all over the world, it still remains first and foremost, a place of conservation.
Seeing animals in the wild is always an exciting adventure. Getting up close and personal with these amazing creatures brings a unique experience each and every time. (ORVRivera-PIA12)